Continued Development
By the early 1960s, the need for a larger church was clear. Fundraising began in 1961, and construction started in April 1965. The new church was completed in time for Christmas Mass 1965 and officially dedicated on February 13, 1966 by Bishop Furey.
The original church building, now known as Barry Hall, is still in use. The current rectory and parish offices were completed in 1975.
Saint Martin of Tours History
Early Leadership & Growth
Father McCormack was succeeded by Father George Siebert in 1922, who completed the church’s furnishings and built the rectory. In 1925, Father Joseph Mesny became pastor. Known for his charity and zeal, he guided the parish through years of steady growth, celebrating his Golden Jubilee in 1932.
After brief tenures by Fathers Flahive and Woodcutter, Father Thomas Lehane became pastor in 1938. During WWII, he expanded parish programs and added Masses to serve the growing community. By 1948, under Father Dennis J. Barry, it became clear the church needed a new, larger site. The current location on El Cajon Boulevard was chosen. The original church was moved, cut in half, and expanded. Its design was updated in Early California Mission style, and Christmas Mass 1948 was held in the newly renovated church.
With continued growth, St. Martin Academy was built in 1950 and opened in 1951, serving grades 1–8 (later including kindergarten). Bishop Charles F. Buddy dedicated the school in 1952. A parish social hall with cafeteria was completed the same year, and four new classrooms were added in 1956, bringing enrollment to 500.
Humble Beginnings
The Catholic community in La Mesa began by gathering in private homes, where visiting priests would occasionally celebrate Mass or perform sacraments. At the time, regular Mass attendance required travel by train or horse and buggy to San Diego or El Cajon, as La Mesa’s small group of 50 families couldn’t yet support a full-time priest.
In 1920, local Catholics began holding regular Sunday Masses in the main hall of a local undertaking parlor. Father McGrath of Our Lady of Angels in San Diego agreed to serve the community, which was not yet tied to any single parish.
As the faith community grew to include La Mesa, Lemon Grove, and Encanto, plans began for a permanent church. Father Michael McCormack, the first assigned pastor, secured a donation from the Cavano family of Los Angeles. A lot at Normal Street and La Mesa Boulevard was purchased, and construction began in October 1921. The first Mass in the new church was celebrated that Christmas.